Hello dear, welcome back home and happy new year to you too. I really agree with you that welcome is very important as it is used in appreciating someone from a far distance. I love the instances you gave about how you feel when you return and you don't get welcomed, yes, it is very true and real because it hurts. Just like you said the word draws us close to each other, you have really enlighten us about this word and I hope we all see this and try to use the word more often and also teach the children. Well said dear, goodluck on this...
I pray all your expectations will be met this year too.